Lord Ilchester's Inheritance (14 page)

He frowned as something occurred to him. Living under the same roof with his sisters and his future wife might well be intolerable for all of them. No matter – his mother and the girls could move into the annex. This building was a fraction of the size of the Abbey, but quite big enough for the three of them to live in comfort.

When he made Sapphire an offer he must remember to make it clear she would not be obliged to share the marital home with
his
family. Instead she would have her uncle and brothers to keep her company.

He sauntered towards the small dining room and joined those already within.

‘There you are, my boy,’ his mother said. ‘We thought you had decided to skip your midday repast.’

‘I am sharp-set and have no intention of missing my meal. I think it would be unkind to make the girls go hungry, Mama, so, if you have no objection, I will ask for a tray to be sent up to them.’

Mr Bishop was already seated and tucking into a substantial plate of cold cuts, game pie and various pickles and chutneys. His niece was helping herself to the cold collation but turned and nodded approvingly.

‘I have already done so, my lord, and am glad that you agree.’

He joined her at the sideboard, and spoke quietly for her ears alone. ‘Are we still at daggers drawn, my dear? Or shall we declare a truce?’

Her eyes narrowed and for a moment he thought his overture would be rebuffed. ‘Very well, my lord, I am prepared to forget everything that has been said so far today by you and your sisters. I have no wish to begin my anniversary celebrations at odds with you.’

‘On that subject, my dear, I have a gift for you. Shall I keep it until tomorrow or would you like me to present it today?’

Her cheeks flushed becomingly and for the first time today her smile was genuine. ‘I was not expecting gifts, my lord, from you or anyone else. This house party and the fête tomorrow is more than enough. I shall be twenty, not a significant anniversary.’

As he reached to lift a slice of succulent, pink ham from a silver platter she did the same and their hands brushed. The contact caused her to withdraw her hand so violently that the meat on the end of her fork flew into the air and vanished over her shoulder.

She clapped her hand to her mouth and spun round to see where the missing meat had gone. ‘Oh dear me! I do beg your pardon, Uncle John, I cannot think how that happened.’

Mr Bishop was peeling the offending item from his sleeve. ‘Never mind, Sapphire, no harm done. See, there is hardly a mark on my jacket.’

Gideon bit his lip in an attempt to keep back his amusement. He failed miserably and soon everyone was laughing and the remainder of the meal passed in high spirits. He said no more about his gift – the gold locket he had purchased for her could be presented in the morning.

Chapter Fourteen

Sir Joshua, Lady Jamieson and their two attractive daughters arrived, and Sapphire was waiting to greet them in the hall. The girls were both out and had already enjoyed one Season. They were not, however, yet betrothed which she found surprising as they were pretty young ladies with a lively wit and pleasant manners. That they also had an impeccable pedigree and a sizeable dowry went without question.

‘Lady Jamieson, Sir Joshua, welcome to Canfield Hall. Mrs Banks, our housekeeper, would be delighted to show you to your chambers and footmen will accompany you so that you can find your way to the terrace where tea will be served when you are ready.’

Lady Jamieson, an elegant lady of middle years and faded blonde hair, shook her head. ‘I thank you, Miss Stanton, but we would much rather take tea immediately. I gather Lord Ilchester and his family are already here – it will be pleasant to become reacquainted with Lady Serena and his lordship.’

That the Bishop girls were not mentioned could have been an oversight, or might have been deliberate. ‘Then come this way and I shall introduce you to Mr Bishop, my great-uncle.’

Miss Jamieson dropped back to converse with Sapphire. ‘Thank you so much for inviting us to your name day celebration. The countryside can be decidedly flat in the summer, we cannot wait for next season as we had such a jolly time in London at all the parties, soirées and routs.’

‘I am delighted you accepted the invitation, Miss Jamieson. I have not had a Season, but Uncle John is determined to rent a house in the best district for next year.’

Miss Isobel slipped her hand through Sapphire’s arm. ‘Will you have a ball? I do hope you do, they are such fun.’ She gestured towards Gideon who was deep in conversation with Sir Joshua. ‘Your success is assured, Miss Stanton, as you will have the gentleman all debutantes have set their sights on, sponsoring you. Is he not a relative of yours?’

‘Indeed he is, we are second cousins, or some such thing, I believe. Would you care to walk to the lake as it is far cooler by the water than it is here on the terrace? We can have tea on our return. The Forsyths should have arrived by then.’

At the mention of this name the girls exchanged blushing smiles. ‘Do their sons accompany them?’ Miss Jamieson asked.

‘They do; which is most fortunate as otherwise we would be sadly short of gentlemen if we wish to dance this evening. Even with them here there will be a surfeit of young ladies, so we might be obliged to dance with each other.’

Her companions seemed quite happy with that suggestion and Sapphire believed she might have made a connection, and perhaps found friends of her own age for the first time in her life. The boats and boathouse were exclaimed over and then they were ready to join the others.

As they strolled back to the house a handsome travelling coach turned into the drive followed by two gentlemen on magnificent, matching chestnut geldings. The Forsyths were arriving, they too would be far earlier than expected.

The girls could not take their gaze from the two gentlemen on horseback. ‘Oh, Miss Stanton, we are so excited to meet Mr Forsyth and his brother. The county is abuzz with talk of them,’ Miss Jamieson said.

‘They look attractive gentlemen, and they certainly both ride well.’ Sapphire’s comment caused Miss Isobel to gasp.

‘Attractive? They are the handsomest men in Christendom and although not as wealthy as Mr Bishop, or titled like Lord Ilchester, there is not a single young lady who would not be ecstatic to receive an offer from one of them.’

‘In which case I cannot wait to meet them myself. Having three such gentlemen in residence should make for an interesting visit.’ Sapphire rather thought that Gideon might not be as pleased as her new friends at the arrival of the Forsyth brothers.

She was aware of a flutter of anticipation and felt sorry for the Bishop girls who were banished to their bedroom. She wandered across to speak to their brother.

‘My lord, I think your sisters will have understood by now that they behaved poorly. With your permission, I should like to send word to their apartment that they are at liberty to come down if they so wish.’

‘If my mother is in agreement, then you may do so. It’s kind of you to think of them.’ He hesitated as if he wished to say more, but then merely nodded and smiled.

Lady Serena was now talking to Lady Jamieson – they were obviously bosom bows. ‘Forgive me for interrupting you, but I should like to invite your daughters to join us for tea. Lord Ilchester has given his permission as long as you are happy too.’

‘Are you quite sure, my dear? Much as I love my girls, I am well aware of their shortcomings, and they will not come down here sweetly smiling and contrite at their misdemeanours. They will wish to be the centre of attention and will not take kindly to anyone who stands in their way.’

If Sapphire had been startled by Gideon’s condemnation of his siblings, she was even more so by their mother’s plain-speaking, and in front of Lady Jamieson too. She was about to comment on this extraordinary pronouncement when Lady Jamieson chuckled.

‘My dear Miss Stanton, do not look so shocked. Emily and Elizabeth are as famous throughout the county for their outrageous behaviour as they are for their outstanding beauty. When they have their come out next year they will be at the top of any guest list, because a hostess can be assured that where they go others will follow just to see the fireworks.’

Somewhat reassured by this remark, Sapphire managed a weak smile. She had already been on the receiving end of their outrageous behaviour and hoped the girls would keep themselves in check whilst residing at Canfield Hall. This was the very first anniversary party she had ever experienced and she was determined that nothing, and no one, was going to spoil it.

The new arrivals would be here any minute; she excused herself and made her way to the entrance hall in order to be there to greet them. By rights her uncle should accompany her, but he appeared to have forgotten his responsibilities as host. These were his friends, he had invited them, and he really should come with her. She did not know these people and it would be embarrassing having to introduce herself.

‘Miss Stanton, would you like me to accompany you? I am well acquainted with Forsyth and his family and am happy to stand in your uncle’s stead.’

‘I would be grateful, my lord, but think it rag-mannered of him not to be here himself. I did so wish to make a favourable impression…’

His eyes glinted and he tucked her hand under his arm. ‘Believe me, sweetheart, you have only to stand in front of a person to make a favourable impression.’ He guided her across the terrace, down the length of the drawing room and out into the hall. Robinson and Mrs Banks were already mustering their troops – there was no need for her to be anxious, everything was as it should be.

‘I did not know the Forsyths would be attending, they were certainly not included on my list.’

‘Mr Forsyth is an old friend of my uncle’s which is why I am astonished he has not made the effort to come out to greet them.’ Something mischievous prompted her to add a further comment. ‘I am agog to meet Mr Forsyth’s sons, for the Jamieson girls were most complimentary about them.’ The arm beneath her fingers tightened and she wished her words unsaid.

‘They are certainly popular with the young ladies, but have so far not shown any interest in matrimony.’ He then gave an unexpected bark of laughter. ‘My sisters will be first in the queue to claim them, I sincerely hope that you and the Jamieson girls are not crushed in their rush to impress.’

The front door was already standing open and two footmen were outside to lower the steps and usher these new guests inside. However, it was not Mr and Mrs Forsyth who appeared, but their sons. She caught her breath, now she understood why Gideon had been reluctant to invite these two gentlemen and why his sisters were so eager to greet them.

The first through the door had cropped fair hair, stood almost as tall as Gideon, and had the perfect features of an Adonis. His brother was close behind, slightly shorter, but broader in the shoulders and with the same colouring.

They strolled towards her and she could sense her companion almost quivering with dislike. ‘Good grief, Ilchester, I might have known you would be here first and state your claim on the most beautiful young lady in the county.’ The speaker bowed low. ‘I am Rupert Forsyth and this is my younger brother, Richard. Thank you for inviting us to your house party, Miss Stanton.’

Sapphire curtsied. ‘I am delighted that you could come, there will be tea on the terrace when you are ready.’ They took the hint – she rather thought they had intended to join the party smelling of the stable. They sauntered away with the housekeeper promising to return as soon as they were changed.

What was keeping Mr and Mrs Forsyth outside so long? ‘Robinson, is anything amiss out there?’

The butler was standing guard at the top of the steps and shook his head. ‘No, miss, your little brothers and their puppy are speaking with Mr and Mrs Forsyth.’

‘In which case, I shall go out and introduce myself and not wait here.’ She smiled at Gideon. ‘There is no need for you to accompany me, thank you, unless you wish to.’

He shrugged as if not bothered either way. ‘In which case, my dear, I shall return to the terrace. I think you are wise to join the Forsyths outside as I am certain I can hear my sisters approaching.’ His disarming smile robbed the words of any censor.

Silly was yapping and dancing around the boys like a whirligig much to the visitors’ amusement. She picked up her skirt and ran lightly down the steps to greet them. David saw her coming and rushed to meet her.

‘We are being good, Saffy, but Silly got out of the loose box and we had to come after him.’

‘Where is Meg? You should be with her, not running about on your own.’

Mrs Forsyth came over, smiling broadly. ‘My dear Miss Stanton, I do beg your pardon for dallying out here with your charming brothers and their delightful puppy. I am Mrs Forsyth and this is my husband. We were so glad to hear from Mr Bishop and to receive his invitation to join you for this prestigious event.’ She barely paused for breath before continuing. ‘I suppose my naughty boys have already made themselves welcome. We were so surprised they wished to accompany us – usually they are about their own business. They have their own estates you know, they do not dwell with us anymore.’

Sapphire was reeling under the weight of words. Mr Forsyth raised an eyebrow and then strolled over to join them. He half-bowed and she dipped in a small curtsy. ‘I am pleased to make the acquaintance of you and your brothers, Miss Stanton.’ He gripped his wife’s arm firmly. ‘Come along, my dear, we must find our accommodations and refresh ourselves before meeting the rest of the guests.’

The nursemaid arrived looking guilty and hastily gathered up her errant charges. The girl was spending far too much time in the stable yard – was it possible she was forming an attachment to Billy? There was no time to dwell on this possibility as there were duties to perform.

‘My housekeeper will take you to your apartment, Mrs Forsyth, and a footman will bring you to the terrace where we are gathered drinking tea and eating cake.’

The last arrivals disappeared up the grand staircase leaving her to catch her breath before returning to her guests. As she stepped into the drawing room she could see the assembled company milling around outside the French doors. Canfield Hall had never been so lively or so elegant. She was ready to play the hostess, and prayed that nothing untoward would take place over the next few days.

The four young ladies were tweeting and trilling around the handsome brothers who were obviously enjoying the attention. Uncle John appeared to be asleep and Gideon was sitting on the stone balustrade surveying the party. There was something vaguely proprietorial about his manner and this set her teeth on edge.

She decided to join him, but not before she had checked that her dearest uncle was comfortable. She was heading in his direction when Gideon intercepted her.

‘He is asleep, sweetheart, I was with him but a moment ago. Everything is going swimmingly, don’t you think? Do you care to stroll around the garden with me?’

‘I should love to, but must remain here in case I am needed by my guests. Mr and Mrs Forsyth will be down soon and it would be impolite not to be here to introduce them.’

‘They are well acquainted with the company; indeed, my love, everybody here is known to each other. I should leave them to their own devices and walk with me.’

He was irresistible when he put his mind to it and her earlier irritation was forgotten. ‘Actually, my lord, I should like to walk round to the meadow where Sultan and Starlight are grazing.’

The sun was warm on her face and the sky was cloudless. This boded well for the garden party tomorrow. They walked companionably neither feeling the need to speak. Then she recalled the garrulous Mrs Forsyth. ‘I am not surprised that Uncle John did not visit with the Forsyths. Although Mrs Forsyth is quite charming, she is rather overwhelming.’

‘Exactly so, sweetheart, it’s a small wonder their sons vacated the familial home as soon as they could.’

She stopped and fixed him with her sternest look. ‘Lord Ilchester, I have spoken to you on this subject before and you have chosen to ignore me. Kindly do not lard your conversation with unwanted and unnecessary endearments – I have no wish to give my guests an erroneous impression of our relationship.’